Course Objectives
Analyse the planning and development of sports facilities as part of the sports industry.
Understand the role of sports facilities in the context of service sector management theory.
Critically evaluate the operational, marketing, financial and human resource challenges of sports facility management.
Experience the management of a variety of facilities in situ in a different social, cultural and economic context.
Understand the role of facility management in the staging of major sports events.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the realities of managing a major sports facility in the international sports industry.
Pre-study tour sessions:
History and development of major sports facilities.
The theoretical principles of sports facilities management.
Sports venues and service sector marketing.
Assessing the impact of major sports facility construction
Study tour sessions:
Branding and delivering a major championship event
The legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games: urban regeneration, post-use and the London Stadium.
Hospitality at major stadiums
Security and hosting international sports events
Managing a Premier League football stadium
Entrepreneurship and innovation in sports facilities
Trends and tendencies at fitness facilities
Post-study tour session:
Reflections and conclusions.
The class sessions will involve a dynamic combination of theory and practice. Students will be required to read before coming to class and be prepared to discuss relevant issues in the group, as well as being able to apply their knowledge to practical examples. Students have the option to travel to London for an intense study tour combining industrial visits with guest speakers where the majority of contact hours will take place.
The Course grade will be based on the following point breakdown:
Part 1 Written Assessment (weighted at 50%): Pre and Post Portfolios in pairs.
Part 2 (weighted at 30%): Individual presentation.
Part 3 (weighted at 20%): Individual participation based on class activity and during the visit. Please note that failure to turn up to any of the visits will result in this being reduced to 0%.
Core text:
Scwartz, E et al (2009) Sport Facility Operations Management: A Global Perspective, Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 1856178366
Additional reading:
Ammon, R et al (2010) Sport Facility Management: Organizing Events & Mitigating Risks, 2nd edition, Fitness Information Technology. ISBN 1935412078
Masterman, G (2004) Strategic Sports Event Management: An international approach, Elsevier. ISBN 0 7506 5983 1